Village
Green is committed to guiding your journey to optimal wellness
by providing you the latest research on health, nutrition and
lifestyle. Read on to learn more about the following health topics...

Keep your Health Strong
During the Cold and Flu Season
A healthy immune system is our first line of defense against infection
and disease. Working around the clock, our immune system protects
us from all sorts of harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, funguses,
and other invaders. Our immune systems are composed of a variety
of specialized cells that identify, seek out, and destroy pathogens.
Some of the most important cells that help prevent infection and
disease are macrophages, lymphocytes, T-cells, B-cells interferon,
and Natural Killer (NK) cells. All these cells stand ready to
fight for your health.

When your immune system weakens from factors such as stress, poor
diet, or lack of proper rest you are vulnerable for viruses or
bacteria to strike. With flu vaccine shortages this season, be
at your best: get your rest, eat healthy, exercise, manage your
stress levels, and support your immune system naturally whenever
possible.

Smarter Pets
For years, scientists have stressed that DHA, a fatty acid, is
essential for a baby's brain development (healthy human brains
are 60% fat) and that the most rapid development occurs in the
first year of life. Now veterinarians say the same is true for
puppies. In a recent study, pups fed high levels of DHA appeared
to be smarter and more trainable than their peers. In the words
of Dr. Dan Carey, who worked on the study: "Good nutrition, combined
with training and loving care, primes pups for healthy lives."

Ginseng Tea and Stress
Drinking a cup of ginseng tea each day can regulate the adrenal
glands and stress hormone production to increase energy stamina
in just 16 days, Chinese research suggests. "Ginseng contains
ginsenosides, active herbal components that heal and revitalize
overworked adrenals." Says Dr. Cass, author of Natural Highs (Avery,
2003)

Nutrients and Creativity
Eating foods high in vitamin B6 can get your creative juices flowing,
a city college of New York study shows. Participants who consumed
the nutrient before bedtime had more vivid dreams and were better
able to recall details. The vitamin stimulates the cerebral cortex,
the brain region that processes visual information. And since
experts at the University of Iowa link imaginative dreaming with
creativity, having B6 rich veggies, such as a stuffed potato or
bell pepper with dinner, can help you dream up innovative ideas
that will set you apart from the competition.

Help for a Constant Runny
Nose
A constant runny nose is a sign of perennial nonallergic rhininits,
a common condition that affects 24 million women. It's triggered
by pollutants that inflame sensitive nasal membranes, prompting
the production of excess mucous. Until you see an allergist, avoid
common culprits, such as smoke and dust, whenever you can. And
try rinsing nasal passages to flush out problematic particles.
(Source Donnica L. Moore, MD)

Top 10 Reasons to Exercise
in the Morning

1. Exercise consistently brings results Over 90% of people who exercise consistently exercise
in the morning. If you want to exercise consistently, odds are
in your favor if you exercise first thing in the morning.

2. Exercise burns calories all day When you exercise early in the morning, it "jumpstarts"
your metabolism and keeps it elevated for hours, sometimes up
to 24 hours. That means you're burning more calories all day
long just because you exercised in the morning.

3. Exercise is energizing When you exercise in the morning, you'll feel energized
for the day. Doing stretches prior to exercise better prepares
the body.

4. Exercise is a natural appetite suppressant Many people find that morning exercise regulates their
appetite for the day. They aren't as hungry and they make better
food choices.

5. Exercise regulates your body If you exercise at about the same time every morning,
and ideally wake-up at about the same time on a regular basis,
your body's endocrine system and circadian rhythms adjust to
that. Physiologically, some wonderful things begin to happen:
a couple of hours before you awaken, your body begins to prepare
for waking and exercise because it "knows" it's about to happen.
You benefit from that in several ways.

a) It's MUCH easier to
wake-up. When you wake-up at different times every day, it
confuses your body and thus it's never really "prepared" to
awaken.b) Your metabolism and all the hormones involved
in activity and exercise begin to elevate while you're sleeping.
Thus, you feel more alert, energized, and ready to exercise
when you do wake-up.c) Hormones prepare your body for exercise
by regulating blood pressure, heart rate, blood flow to muscles.

6. Exercise is time for yourself For many people, that appointed time every morning
becomes something they look forward to. It's time they've set
aside to do something good for themselves - to take care of
their body, mind, and soul. Many find that it's a great time
to think clearly, plan their day, or just relax mentally.

7. Exercise increases your brain power Research has demonstrated that exercise increases
mental acuity. On average, it lasts 4 to 10 hours after exercise.

8. Exercise is proactive Exercise first thing in the morning is really the
only way to assure that something else won't crowd exercise
out of your schedule. When your days get hectic, exercise usually
takes a back seat!

9. Exercise is key to your health If finding time to exercise is difficult, try getting
up 30 to 60 minutes earlier to do it. If necessary, you can
go to sleep a little earlier. Research has demonstrated that
people who exercise on a regular basis have a higher quality
of sleep and thus require less sleep overall.

10. Exercising makes you feel great.

These statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, nor
are they or these products intended to diagnose, treat, cure,
or prevent disease. Information presented is of a general nature
for educational and informational purposes only. If you have any
concerns about your own health, you should always consult with
a physician or other healthcare professional. References are available
upon request. If you would like more information at any time,
please email info@myvillagegreen.com. Sources: Stephen Sinatra,
MD; Parade; Pioneerthinking.com; Hyla Cass, MD; Donnica L. Moore,
MD; Pioneer Ayurvedic; B. Riordan, G. Hall, Village Green nutritional
coaching staff.